People cheer as President Obama’s motorcade travels through Presidential Boulevard in Paterson, N.J.

“I know that there’s been some talk about whether there’s going to be a slowdown in getting funding out here, emergency relief. As President of the United States, I want to make it very clear that we are going to meet our federal obligations – because we’re one country, and when one part of the country gets affected, whether it’s a tornado in Joplin, Missouri, or a hurricane that affects the Eastern Seaboard, then we come together as one country and we make sure that everybody gets the help that they need. And the last thing that the residents here of Paterson or the residents of Vermont or the residents of upstate New York need is Washington politics getting in the way of us making sure that we are doing what we can to help communities that have been badly affected.”

President Obama speaks to reporters with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.

President Obama with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as he prepares to depart Paterson, New Jersey

President Obama jogs down the ramp of Air force One as he arrives at Andrews Air Force Base after a trip to New Jersey

After signing a measure to keep the government open, President Obama visited the Lincoln Memorial and stated:

“Because Congress was able to settle its differences, that’s why this place is open today and everybody’s able to enjoy their visit. And that’s the kind of future cooperation I hope we have going forward. Because this is what America is all about: Everybody from different places enjoying those things that bind us together. It is wonderful to spend time with you guys, I hope you have a great time.”

First Lady Michelle Obama is briefed by Lieutenant Commander Todd Hazlett before meeting with injured service members and their families at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Md., Oct. 11, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)